There is a new tool to help patients living with HIV/AIDS learn more about the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP), which exists in all 50 U.S. States and the 6 U.S. Territories. The tool puts patients in control of their own healthcare decisions.

The ADAP Directory is a new, innovative approach to ensure people living with HIV-infection have access to the information and resources they need to live healthy and productive lives. The ADAP Directory consolidates useful ADAP-related information from all 50 states and 6 territories into one convenient location for:

•Easy access to ADAP resources organized by state and territory;
•Updated, current information for all 56 state ADAPs; and
•Uniform presentation of ADAP information for effective advocacy and easy dissemination.

The “Perfect Storm” that had befallen the cash-strapped ADAPs exposed some very real deficiencies in the amount and quality of information made readily available to patients living with HIV/AIDS. As of July 28th, ADAP waiting lists still existed in one state, with 35 people in Utah being denied access to care and treatment.

While these numbers are nowhere near as high as they were during the last ADAP crisis, they still demonstrate the need for better linkages to care. In addition, these numbers don’t even accurately reflect the scope of the crisis, because hundreds more have been dis-enrolled and there have been numerous other cost containment measures adopted that all have resulted in restricted access to care – including capped enrollment, reduced formularies, implemented medical criteria, instituted monthly expenditure cap, discontinued reimbursement of laboratory assays, instituted annual expenditure cap, and instituted client cost-sharing

"As woman living out loud with HIV/AIDS, and an awesomely proud member North Carolina's ADAP advocacy community, I firmly support the ADAP Directory because it is long-overdue," summarized Wanda Brendle-Moss, who received the ADAP Advocacy Association's "ADAP Emerging Leader of the Year Award. "It is an ADAP advocacy dream tool!"

There currently exists only a “patch-work” of relevant information accessible to patients, so the ADAP Directory is a groundbreaking initiative. It serves a one-stop online resource center to assist social workers, patient advocates and medical practitioners – but more importantly, it will provide patients with the necessary resources and tools to become more active decision-makers with their care.

“The ADAP Directory puts patients in the driver’s seat by linking them to the relevant information about all 56 ADAPs, as well as useful resources and tools,” stated Brandon Macsata, CEO of the ADAP Advocacy Association. “Patients deserve new, innovative approaches to linking them to the information, resources, medical care and the treatment options that will keep them healthy, productive members in their communities.”